Defines and demonstrates a framework for studying differential item functioning and differential test functioning for tests that are intended to be multidimensional. The procedure, which is illustrated with simulated data, is an extension of the unidimensional differential functioning of items and tests approach (N. Raju, W. van der Linden, and P.…

Developmental assessment centers focus on helping existing staff improve job performance. These centers are most effective when they combine clear, precise feedback with pragmatic, on-the-job follow-up, although they do cost more to operate. (SK)

Examines the effects of power structures in negotiations using a simulation of the historic Lausanne Peace Talks. Compares the two power configurations represented in the talks to a third bilateral configuration. Discusses the impact of the manipulated conditions on perceptions and outcome measures, aspects of the negotiating process, perceptions…

Task-based learning (TBL) is an educationally sound, effective, and efficient strategy for delivering relevant education. In TBL, the tasks of the health care professional provide the context and the focus for learning, but are not the objective of the student's learning. Students gain a basic understanding of the principles of health and disease…

Eighteen students viewed nine medical videotaped vignettes, and their critical thinking processes in problem identification and intervention were rated using the Performance Based Development System. Use of such simulations for student evaluation was supported, but they proved time intensive for educators, and the risk of subjectivity was…

Developed a multilevel item response (IRT) model that allows for differences between the distributions of item parameters of families of item clones. Results from simulation studies based on an item pool from the Law School Admission Test illustrate the accuracy of the item pool calibration and adaptive testing procedures based on the model. (SLD)

Used Monte Carlo simulation to determine the psychometric conditions under which differences between raw scores and Rasch transformations of those raw scores are detectable through two-way analysis of variance. Findings demonstrate the inherent inadequacy of untransformed raw scores for two-way analysis of variance. (SLD)

Discussion of connectionist views for adaptive clustering in information retrieval focuses on a connectionist clustering technique and activation spreading-based information retrieval model using the interaction information retrieval method. Presents theoretical as well as simulation results as regards computational complexity and includes…

This research tested the hypothesis that young children's bias to generalize names for solid objects by shape is the product of statistical regularities among nouns in the early productive vocabulary. Fifteen- to 20-month-olds given intensive naming experiences with typical noun categories developed a precocious shape bias and showed accelerated…

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination used in British nursing education can enhance skill development through simulated experiences. Survey results from 86 students and 39 lecturers show that it can be effective when used formatively for hands-on practice and feedback. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

Discusses how students learn to model in scientific contexts. Highlights include current research in science education; a computer-based simulation of a student learning to model; an example of a physics task; collaboration with another student; a dialog mechanism; and external representations. (LRW)

A nonmetric algorithm, pairwise partitioning, is developed to identify feature-based similarity structures. Presents theorems about the validity of the features identified by the algorithm, and reports results of Monte Carlo simulations that estimate the probabilities of identifying valid features for different feature structures and amounts of…

A procedure for detection of differential item functioning (DIF) is proposed that amalgamates SIBTEST and kernel-smoothed item response function estimation to assess DIF as a function of the latent trait theta that the test is designed to measure. Smoothed SIBTEST is studied through simulation and real data analysis. (SLD)

Explores technology in science education in five paths: (1) science texts and lectures; (2) science discussions and collaboration; (3) data collection and representation; (4) science visualization; and (5) science simulation and modeling. (Contains 92 references.) (Author/SOE)

Reviews empirical and theoretical issues associated with inserting computer simulations into biological instruction to help students better understand science concepts. The available empirical research on simulations suggests that simulated dissection and actual dissections typically lead to equivalent performance on achievement tests, simulations…